Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil

Also known as: Pracaxi Oil

INCI: Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil | Function: Emollient, Hair Conditioner, Moisturizer | Type: Plant Oil (Amazonian)

What Is Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil?

Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil (Pracaxi oil) is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the pracaxi tree, native to the Amazon rainforest. It is exceptionally rich in behenic acid (C22:0, up to 20%), making it one of the best natural conditioning oils for hair. It also contains oleic and linoleic acids, providing emollient and moisturizing benefits for skin.

Key Skin Benefits

Pros

Cons

Specifications

PropertyValue
Usage AreasFace, Body, Hair
Product TypeLeave-On, Rinse-Off
SourcePlant
Natural LevelNatural

Safety Ratings

MetricRating
Skin Sensitivity1/5
Comedogenic Rating2/5
EWG Score1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

RegionLeave-on %Rinse-off %Status
EU (CosIng)No limitNo limitAllowed
US (CIR/FDA)No limitNo limitAllowed
Japan (MHLW)No limitNo limitAllowed
ASEANNo limitNo limitAllowed
China (NMPA)No limitNo limitAllowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product TypeTypical %
Hair mask / Deep conditioner2 - 10%
Leave-in conditioner1 - 5%
Body butter2 - 10%

References

  1. CosIng (2025) — Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
  2. PubMed — Banov et al. (2014) Pracaxi oil for skin. PMID: 25276788
  3. EWG Skin Deep — Pracaxi oil score 1. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
  4. SpecialChem — Amazonian oils in cosmetics. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/
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